Argyrotaenia Stephens (Tortricidae: Tortricinae: Archipini)
The genus Argyrotaenia contains approximately 115 described species. The vast majority of species occur in the Nearctic and Neotropical regions. Wing patterns vary widely across the genus, although there are a number of species with golden-brown forewings and a large reddish-brown median fascia. Male genitalia are characterized by a spatulate or fingerlike uncus and rounded valvae with a long, thin sacculus. Female genitalia are characterized by a dagger-shaped signum and a sclerotized plate near the base of the ductus bursae.
A single species, A. ljungiana Thunberg, is present in the Palearctic. Larvae of A. ljungiana are polyphagous and feed on a variety of plants, sometimes causing economic damage to apple (Malus spp.), grape (Vitis spp.), and tea (Camellia sinensis).
Argyrotaenia franciscana is a common species in California, Oregon, and Washington that has been recorded feeding on plants in more than 40 families. It is an occasional pest of crops and nursery stock in California but is more often encountered as a non-target during Epiphyas postvittana surveys. Argyrotaenia montezumae (not treated here) is native to parts of the western United States, but has been intercepted on avocado originating from Mexico and Central America.
The other eight species treated here are common non-targets encountered in general tortricid surveys. It is difficult to distinguish between different species of Argyrotaenia using larval morphology. As such, most Argyrotaenia larvae intercepted at United States ports of entry are not identified beyond the subfamily or genus level. For photos of additional non-targets not covered here, visit the Moth Photographers Group link below.
Exotic species
Native species
Authors: KA Austin, TM Gilligan, ME Epstein
Content last updated May 2025
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